Foreword:

Hello dear readers, I don't usually do this, but due to inspiration outside of Marvel I have done the unthinkable, and made an OC, his name will be revealed in the story but for visual reference his model is the lovely Eddie Redmayne. I'm considering making a tumblr attached to this account (where I'll post sketches or reviews on other's fanfics or something) but until I do that I'm letting you all know who the model and basis for the Character is.

On a side note I'm holding to the AU where Wolverine/Logan is Bi/pan-sexual. So, as you go into this just know I'm writing under the assumption that Logan already knows about his sexuality so any self-discovery is unnecessary.

Anyway I hope you enjoy this! And I now present:

Lumos

Logan looked over the convenience store's cold case. The dingy corner store was about five miles from his "summer home" and it was the closest thing to the little cabin he'd bought a few years ago. He often made runs out here when he'd come home from working at the saw mill to find his fridge lacking anything edible. He knew that he could've just stayed down at the school with Charles and everyone else who stayed full time, but he hated not have something to do. So he stayed on call for X-men business but took a vacation from the school. He stared at the case for a few minutes before finally choosing a six pack of Budweiser, the ability to have a beer at home may have also had something to do with his decision.

Logan let the glass door swing shut and made his way up to the register where a young man was struggling with his load of beer and chip-bags that was spilling out on to the floor and counter in his quest to give the woman at the register his ID.

Logan moved forward to help the man.

"Thanks." The young man thanked Logan as he handed him the bag of Doritos and shrugged his beat up air-force jacket back onto his shoulders.

"Don't mention it." Logan replied, giving the man a once over, his short brown hair stood out at odd angles. His ethereal features were sprinkled with freckles and uncertainty, his lips were more rounded than Logan had ever seen on another man and paired with his soft green eyes gave him a delicate, feminine look.

The young man payed quickly and left, Logan glanced after him as he laid his items on the counter. He'd gotten three packs of ramen, a pack of ground beef, and some frozen vegetables (the store had a small "grocery" section, knowing that many of their customers would rather not have to drive another fifteen miles into town). Logan was on his way back to his car when he heard the young man talking to some guys that were leaned against their cars in front of the store.

Logan didn't pay them any attention until the voices changed.

"What the fuck El, this isn't what I told you to get!" Logan turned just in time to see the young man receive a kick to the stomach.

"Hey!" Logan yelled. "Leave the kid alone!"

"Fuck off old man." One of the other young men yelled back, giving Logan the middle finger while the first guy kicked the young man again.

Logan growled and set down his bags.

"I said, Leave the kid, alone." Logan said as he walked up, his voice dangerously low.

"Oh yeah gramps? And what's it to you? You want to save the pretty face? Hope he'll fuck you if you save his chops? He's cheap, you can have him after we're done. He's a better fuck when he's had a little sense knocked into him anywa-." The man's words were drowned out by Logan's fist to his lips.

The other men quickly backed away and jumped into their cars, leave the dirty mouthed ass on his. Logan gave internal sigh of relief, he had a tendency to leap before he looked but had luckily refrained from starting any fights that would result in him having to move. As cute as this kid was, he really didn't want to give this town up for him.

The young may got up from the ground, where he'd been crouched. "Thanks." He mumbled as he wiped the blood from his lips, which, if possible, were even thicker now.

Logan just nodded, "What were you doing with a creep like him anyway? You seem like a good kid."

"The young man laughed, "Unfortunately he was the only thing standing between me and the street. We were friends in college and now he's all I have. I put up with his shit because he puts up with me."

Logan mulled an idea over in his mind for a moment before speaking again. "Look, seeing as I probably just made things worse for you-."

"Oh, you definitely did." The young man said, looking down at his 'friend'

"If you need a place to stay for the night I have space."

The young man looked up at Logan in surprise. "What?"

"You're welcome to spend the night on my couch." He explained.

The young man looked at Logan, thinly veiled shock and suspicion written on his face, "Look that's a kind gesture but I-."

"I know you probably think I'm a weirdo, but you have my word, and if you'd like I can give you someone to call for a character reference." Logan chuckled, imagining what The Professor would think if this kid called him, and continued. "Look, I feel bad you. So take it or leave it."

The young looked him over for a second and then shrugged. "He usually calms down with time anyway, so sure." He went to the car and pulled out a backpack before coming back around to join Logan, who led him to his car.

"So, what's your name kid?" Logan asked once they were on their way, Elliot's pack in the back seat with Logan's groceries.

"Elliot. What's yours?"

"Logan." He paused a moment before continuing. "Why is a kid like you living with an ass-hole like that guy?"

"He's the only one who would take me in after my family threw me out. All my other friends weren't comfortable living with. . . Someone like me."

Logan raised an eyebrow in surprise, well that explained the feminine air. "I thought people of your generation had gained a little understanding, guess not."

Elliot gave him a silent, searching look.

"Something wrong?" Logan asked as they turned down his quarter mile drive way.

"No, it's just. . ." Elliot gave a small smile, and Logan thought it made the uncertain look in his eyes die a down a bit. "I'm not used to that sort of response."

Logan slid him a glance. "That's a shame."

"I imagined you belonged in a cabin in the woods, but I never expected you would actually live in one."

Logan just grunted. "Its home."

"You live alone?"

Logan just nodded. "I don't live here year round. I work at a school in Upstate New York during the year."

Elliot started laughing. "You're a teacher?"

Logan just raised an eyebrow at him.

"Sorry. It's just, you don't seem like a teacher." Elliot apologized as Logan walked further into the house.

"You can leave your stuff in the living room." Logan pointed to the left of the entry way, neglecting to acknowledge Elliot's last sentence. "And if you want, the bathroom's down that hall on the right. There's towels if you want a shower."

"Thanks, I think I will." Elliot toed his boots off and padded down the hallway in his woolen socks.

Logan spared him a glance over his shoulder and continued into the kitchen. Putting his bags on the table he fished a pot out from under the counter to cook the ramen in.

"So what do you teach?" Elliot's voice sounded behind Logan.

He turned to see the younger man standing in the doorway, the towel around his shoulders that were covered by a white tee, and his green cargo pant low on his hips.

"History." Logan replied, turning back to the stove, stirring the pot and pouring the packets of seasoning into the boiling water with one hand while keeping the meat he was browning in motion with the other.

"No, really?" Eliot came and sat on the old oak table, pulling his feet up to sit Indian-style.

"Yes, and feet off my table."

Elliot hopped down and pulled up a chair instead, turning it so the back rested between his legs. He just sat there awhile, in silence, watching while Logan cooked, his green eyes misted over. He was so quiet that Logan forgot he was there at all and started to sing, something he did often when he was by himself. He got through a whole song and was stirring the frozen vegetables in with the noodles when Elliot spoke, reminding Logan of his presence.

"You have a wonderful voice" was all the young man offered, his own voice melodic, even when just talking.

Logan reddened in embarrassment but didn't turn. He'd never sung in front of someone before, not even Kayla. There was something about this man that made Logan just as comfortable as if he were alone.

"Grab me two bowls from the middle cupboard." Logan motioned to the other side of the kitchen.

Elliot got up and retrieved the bowls, setting them beside Logan.

"You have a lot of scars for a teacher." Elliot's voice was soft and low as he traced the hand that hand taken the bowls.

Logan felt a shiver go down his back. "I uh, well I wasn't always a teacher. And I work in the saw-mill now." Logan turned and found Elliot was still beside him. "Here." He handed Elliot a bowl.

"Thank you." As their hands touched again Logan felt a strange buzz, but he just ignored it and went to the table.

Elliot followed him and sat down across the table. "Thank you again for all of this." He said, as he ate.

Logan just grunted.

"No, really. I haven't been shown a lot of… kindness lately. You're the first person who hasn't hated me either because of my orientation or. . ."

Logan looked up as Elliot petered off. "Or what?"

Elliot's freckles seemed to group together when he blushed, Logan asked again, softer this time. "Or what?"

"Well, they either hate me because I'm a fag… or because of this."

Elliot twirled his fingers in the air like he was wrapping the air around them. As Logan watched Elliot actually started to gather… something. It looked like he was pulling tiny stars out of the air and they were settling in his palm.

"You're. . . You someone like me." Logan said, he hated using the word 'mutant'.

The stars suddenly stopped and faded. "What?" Elliot looked shocked.

"Well, your power is a lot prettier than mine, but…" Logan set his elbow on the table and extended his claws.

Elliot flinched. "Oh!" He gasped.

Logan suddenly felt uncomfortable and put them away.

"Wait…" Logan was surprised by the tone of Elliot's voice. "Can I see them?"

Logan nodded and let them back out. "Careful, they're sharp." He said as he extended his hand to the young man.

Elliot reached out and lightly ran his finger over the top of them before pausing and flexing his own hand. Logan raised an eyebrow as Elliot's nails, which he thought were painted black, grew out and into points. He ran these new claws down Logan's until he reached the end, where metal met flesh.

"Does it hurt?" Elliot asked tracing around the spot.

Logan wasn't used to being inspected this way (he didn't usually let people either) so it took him a moment to swallow and respond. "Yeah, it does. I always feel the pain, even if I heal afterwards."

Elliot nodded, his face suddenly going dark as he pulled back. Logan sheathed the claws and returned his hand to his side of the table.

"Thank you for showing me." Elliot said as he began eating again.

"Don't mention it. So what are the stars?" Logan asked.

Elliot finished chewing before he answered. "I don't actually know, they heal, that's all I know. I think they might be positive thoughts, because the amount I can gather differs from place to place and as far as I can tell the difference is the amount of positivity in the atmosphere."

"You can gather positivity?" Logan smiled.

"Yes, and I'm sorry to say you're not very positive."

Logan laughed. "I could've told you that Elliot."

Elliot smiled. "Please, call my Elli."

"Alright Elli." Logan agreed with a smile.

After they'd eaten dinner Logan pulled out a bag of marshmallows and motioned for Elliot to follow him out to the back porch. As they went out Logan snagged a thick blanket and a couple of logs off a pile that stood by the door.

"What are we doing?" Elliot asked as Logan led him outside.

Logan didn't reply, he just crouched down and after a few moments of rustling there was a spark and a fire sprung up in the pit at their feet. Logan sat down and patted the ground next to him.

"Care to join me?" Ha asked, holding up the bag of marshmallows and two pieces of wire to roast them on. Elliot laughed and settled down beside him.

They sat there awhile, just basking in the warmth of the fire and the taste of the sticky marshmallows.

"You are full of surprises Logan." Elliot said as he reached for another marshmallow.

"Hmm?" Logan was focused on browning his marshmallow just right without burning it.

"This is honestly the best night I've had in a long, long time." Elliot gave a shiver, "S-so thank you." He went on softly.

Logan set the blanket on Elliot's shoulders. "My pleasure. It's been a while since I've had company, and after spending all my time at the school I get used to having people around."

Elliot pulled the blanket close around himself. "What school do you work at exactly?"

"Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters."

Elliot's eyebrows went up. "Oh! I've heard of them! My parent tried to send me there when. . . Well, when they realized I was different. But I ended up not going, I went straight to Stamford instead."

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Stamford? Xavier usually sends out for younger kids. How old were you?"

Elliot stared into the fire, "sixteen. They found me with a boy two days before my sixteenth birthday. They immediately tried to send me away, hoping that Xavier's would put the 'fear of God' in me. I applied for Stamford instead... and got in. But my sophomore year I… I grew these." Elliot held up his hand, the black claws glistened in the fire light. "So… My parents freaked out. They wanted me to either take "the cure" or get out. And when the cure vanished… Well, I left."

Logan reached out and squeezed Elliot's shoulder.

Elliot looked up at him, "You are the first person I've met who has treated me like I was… human."

Logan looked down into Elliot's delicate green eyes, and saw, for the first time, the specks of amber that dotted them. "You are human Elli, and you deserve to be treated like it." Logan breathed these words softly against Elliot's lips, which were now only a breath away from his own.

"I don't Logan, You don't know me. I don't deserve even the kindness you've shown me."

Logan reached up a hand and cupped Elliot's cheeks, "Maybe I don't know you, but I know you're wrong."

Logan didn't know who was more surprised when their lips met, Elliot or him, but neither of them pulled away. Instead, Elliot wrapped him arms around Logan's neck and pulled himself into the other man's lap. Logan ran his hands up under Elliot's shirt, tracing the muscles, and scars he found there. Logan ran his fingers over them and Elliot shivered as he pulled away.

"Wait… Why are we..?"

Logan looked into Elliot's earnest eyes. "I honestly don't know. I guess there's just something about you." He brushed back the dark locks of hair that had fallen into Elliot's eyes. "If you want to stop, we can."

"No. Please… just…" Elliot swallowed and buried his head against Logan's chest. "Nobody has touched me like this in… well, too long." He looked back up at Logan. "Please?"

Logan understood, and lifted the smaller man up into his arms. Carrying him inside.

"Oh, Wait! The fire!"

Logan shifted Elliot so that he could hold him with one arm while he reached down for the lid of the fire pit and tossed it on, putting out the fire. He kissed Elliot again as the y stepped back into the house, it was a soft kiss that Elliot could feel, deep in his bones. It felt good, to have someone kiss him, after so long.

Logan carried his freckled bundle into his bedroom and set the man on his bed, their lips never parting for more than a moment and a breath. Logan began to slowly undress as he kissed the beautiful man beneath him. Starting first with his flannel and shirt.

"May I?" He asked, finger's on the hem of Elliot's shirt. Elliot nodded and lifted his arms, letting Logan pull it off before he moved his own fingers to Logan's belt. He didn't speak, only looked up into Logan's eyes. Logan nodded.

Elliot began to undo his belt as their lips met again and soon they were both down to nothing more than their underwear, boxers for Elliot, briefs for Logan. Logan rolled them over so Elliot was laid against his chest, fingers curled in the dark hair he found there. They drew apart for air and Elliot laid his head on Logan's chest.

"I can hear your heartbeat…" He whispered

Logan ran his fingers through Elliot's hair, "Funny, I could've sworn it was broken."

Elliot gave a small chuckled and buried his nose in the same hair his fingers were curled around. "You smell like safety."

It was Logan's turn to chuckle. "That's the first time I've heard that one. What does safety smell like?"

"Like smoke, and trees, and warmth, and…you." Elliot whispered into the crook of Logan's neck.

He ran his nose along the older man's jaw up to his ear "You feel like home."

Logan felt his heart skip a beat. Only one other person had ever said that to him. But as Elliot pulled back and looked into his eyes, the memory of her faded again, leaving only those green and amber eyes smiling up at him.

They spent the night in each other's arms, their lips and limbs meeting and intertwining throughout the night, but they never moved beyond kisses. Logan woke the next morning though, just as happy as if he'd woken up after a night of hard sex, actually, he was happier than some of those morning.

The first thing he saw when he finally opened his eyes was Elliot's sleeping face resting against his arm. He kissed his forehead and pulled him gently closer. He lay there for a while with Elliot, just letting himself enjoy this rare moment of peace. Unfortunately his rare moment ended when someone bounded on the front door.

Elliot sprung up, alarm written on his face. "It's him!"

The shock and fear on his face had Logan moving for his jeans. "That Jackass from the Store? How'd he find my place?"

Elliot just shook his head, "I, I have no idea."

Logan sighed and pulled on his flannel, not bothering with a shirt. "Stay here, I'll take care of him." He assured Elliot as another round of pounding sounded through the small house.

Elliot just nodded, still in shock.

The third round of pounding was interrupted by Logan swinging open the door. He wasn't prepared for the tan fist that flew at him as soon as the door was open enough, but he did catch the kick that was aimed at his crotch.

"Guess you're one for punch first, questions later." Logan quipped. "Well that works for me."

It only took Logan about 43 seconds to bundle the man face down on the ground with his foot on the other man's stomach.

The other man just growled. "What the fuck did you do with him?"

Logan was surprised, "What, nobody's allowed to beat him up but you? Is that it?"

The other man didn't answer.

"Elli! Come on out." Logan called back into the house.

Elliot came out, fully dressed again.

"What should I do with this scumbag?"

Elliot looked the man over. "Even if he was an ass to me, he still took me in when no one else would. Let him go."

Logan didn't like it but he let the man get up.

"Why did you come here Greg?" Elliot asked, with ice in his voice.

Greg smiled and moved to hug the young man, but a growl from Logan stopped him. "Just came to see that you were safe, El."

'He smiles like a cougar, ready to pounce. But like hell I'm going to let him near Elliot.' Logan thought as he moved closer to the smaller man and put an arm around his waist. "He's safe with me." He said, his voice dangerously low.

Greg snorted, "I'm sure he is. Guess you fucked him after all."

Elliot snapped, and punched Greg in the face before he could even get another word out.

"Get lost Greg. Go find another fuck toy." He said as he pulled Logan back into the cabin and slammed the door.

Logan looked down at Elliot's hand in his. The younger man had his face turned away from him, but Logan could smell the tears that were starting to drip down his freckled cheeks.

Logan pulled Elliot into a hug, wrapping his arms around his slim frame. "Hey, hey." He whispered softly as he ran his fingers through the unruly brown hair.

Elliot turned so his face was nestled against Logan's still bare chest as he sobbed quietly. Logan didn't say anything for several minutes, he just held him.

"I really will keep you safe." He promised. "And you will always have a place with me Elli." Logan could feel Elliot's smile against his chest.

"Thank you Logan." He hummed softly against Logan's heart.

The older man felt the organ in question swell as he hugged his new lover tighter. He could tell that this was going to be a wonderful summer.

So, this is either going to be a stand alone, as is. Or I'm going to post another chapter where they go back to the school and Elliot becomes a member of the X-men. It all depends on how things work out and the response I get (If no one likes Elli I may just lay him to rest).

So, until next posting, R&R my lovelies

- Chameleon

p.s. - Lumos will be Elliot's Mutant name if I continue